Requirements for Blood Donating
- Be in generally good health and feeling well
- Be at least 18 years of age: upper age 65
- Weigh at least 110 pounds (50kg)
- Good blood pressure
- We advise that you consult your doctor if you are on any medications to confirm that it is safe for you to donate or if you have any concerns about your ability to donate blood
You cannot Donate Blood if
- You have a cold or had flu-like symptoms within the past 2 weeks
- You had dental surgery within the past 3 days or 72 hours of a tooth extraction, root canal etc.
- You travelled to South America, Central America, Asia, or any Malaria-endemic areas within the past 3 months
- You got a piercing or a tattoo within the past 3 months
- You received any vaccines within the last 2 weeks
- You have a history of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or Human T Lymphotropic Virus 1 (HTLV-1)
- You are diagnosed with an HIV infection
Preparation Tips
- Stop smoking at least 2 hours before donation
- Stop consuming alcohol 24 hours before donation
- Ensure you have a good meal before attending the donation centre
- Ensure you have one form of national ID
Blood Donation Process
- Confidential discussion with a nurse. All answers are treated with the strictest confidence
- A tiny drop of blood is taken from your fingertip to check your haemoglobin levels to ensure that donating blood would not make you anaemic
- If all is well you will be allowed to donate blood
- You will donate approximately 470ml of blood. This amount of blood is replaced by your body usually within 24 hours.
- You will receive light refreshments after your blood donation.
After Donating
- Drink lots of non-alcoholic, hydrating fluids for the next 24 hours
- Avoid climbing heights and lifting heavy objects
- Avoid strenuous exercise and strenuous physical activities for 24 hours
- Refrain from smoking for at least 2 hours
